Overview
- Janata Unnayan Party founder Humayun Kabir withdrew influencer Nisha Chatterjee’s Ballygunge nomination citing “inappropriate” social media posts and quickly named retired policeman Abu/Abul Hasan as the replacement.
- Kabir previously said he would pick a Muslim for the seat; he later clarified Hasan is his mother’s first cousin after some reports described the former officer as his maternal uncle.
- Nisha Chatterjee alleges she was removed because she is Hindu, accuses Kabir of defamation, says she is consulting lawyers, and signals she may contest as an independent.
- Kabir launched JUP on December 22 after his suspension from the Trinamool Congress following disputes that included his Babri‑style mosque proposal in Murshidabad.
- Ballygunge is a high‑profile TMC stronghold currently held by Babul Supriyo, and rival parties have downplayed JUP’s prospects despite its plan to field candidates widely in 2026.